An investigation into the potential of using Architecture to enhance Uganda's hot spring for health tourism: a case study of Kitagata.

Abstract

Uganda has a variety of hot springs which include Kitagata, Sempaya, Ihimba, Buranga, Amaru and Kanangorok hot springs, of which most of them are found in National parks. Most of these hot springs have not been optimally utilised for healing and health tourism. It has been Kitagata hot spring in Sheema district, that has attracted mostly domestic health tourism. At the foot of these hills is the Kitagata Hot Springs, a popular healing site in Uganda that is turning into a tourist attraction. Those who have experienced this magnificent work of nature recommend others to visit. There are two hot springs adjacent to each other. According to the locals, one of the springs is known as Ekyomugabe, because it was used by only the king (Omugabe) of Ankole. The other, named after Uganda’s National Referral Hospital Mulago, is used by everyone else and is believed to have more healing powers. Hundreds of people go to Kitagata to receive healing from the hot springs. Half-dressed men and women bathe in the warm waters which they believe possess healing powers. Patients from far and near flock the springs to soak themselves in while some drink the water, in a bid to seek healing. The evenings at the site are usually a hub of excitement that one could easily misunderstand it for either a marketplace, a clan meeting or some sort of celebration, as there is an immense crowd gathered here all the time. This research sets out to evaluate a clear understanding of the Architecture of Uganda’s hot springs to attract both domestic and international health tourism. This attempt hopefully results into an understanding of the way forward to providing information about the architecture of Uganda’s hot springs to architects and developers intending to revitalise these hot springs